Silence is Golden - Remote Weekend in Wales
13 people attending
3 places left
This is one of the remote-ist hostels in Wales, in a corner of the Cambrian Mountains that's far off from the beaten paths, crowds and hustle and bustle of the Brecon Beacons or Snowdonia.
This hostel, in the corner of the Cambrian Mountains, is 7 miles from the nearest village of Llanddewi-Brefi, so if you're looking to switch off and forget about the world for a weekend, this is the perfect weekend for you.
Members over a certain age may remember Llanddewi-Brefi as being famous for having 'The Only Gay in the Village...'
We'll be staying at a former traditional farmhouse and the hostel has plenty of character. This 19th century former farmhouse has thick stone walls, quarry tile floors, and ceilings with exposed beams. The common room offers traditional wooden bench seats (including a Victorian settle) as well as softer seating. Recent additions such as an efficient wood-burning stove, built-in wooden bunks, and mains electricity provide comfort and convenience whilst preserving the character of the hostel. Eco-friendly features include photovoltaic solar panels, which replace about 50% of the electricity consumed.
This is definitely a 'no-mod-cons' hostel and is fairly rustic in what it can offer. However, the location more than makes up for the lack of facilities!
There is definitely no mobile signal OR wifi at the Hostel, so this is a weekend to 'switch off and get away from the world'. Those Instagram updates will have to wait until Monday....
It is the location that makes this place unique. It lies in splendid isolation 7 miles from Llanddewi Brefi village, in the beautiful Doethie valley. As you descend into this valley, you realise that you’re arriving somewhere special. There is excellent walking and cycling right from the hostel door. The valley’s narrow, twisting nature provides an ever-changing view that changes from steep bracken-clad slopes, to green meadows around the hostel, to pockets of ancient woodland, to rocky outcrops.
Itinerary
Friday Evening: Arrive anytime after 4pm, meet the rest of the group and socialise. Welcome 'meeting' and we'll have the usual Outdoor lads buffet so please bring something that can be shared between two or three people (try to avoid too much quiche!)
Saturday Day: After breakfast, we’ll head into the surrounding countryside to explore the area.
The area is also popular with mountain bikers, so you can bring your bike along if you wish although please note this will be at your own risk without any official Mountain Bike Leader from OutdoorLads with you.
Saturday Evening: Relax, socialise, and chillout. Dinner is included in the event cost. Depending on the weather, we may attempt a BBQ for the evening meal.
This region of the Cambrian Mountains is also good for stargazing as it's a top ten Dark Skies Place. So, any budding astronomers - bring along your telescope or binoculars to watch the celestial fireworks!
Sunday: After breakfast we need to check out by 10am. There will be a final 'stretch of the legs' short walk (around an hour or two) for those who want one, before maybe finding a pub for lunch somewhere and then heading home again.
Meals and Food
Including in the event cost - Saturday and Sunday Breakfast, Saturday Dinner
Please bring something suitable for the 'Friday Night Buffet' and make plans for Saturday lunchtime (Packed Lunch). For the buffet, please consider there is only 1 small oven in the hostel so try and avoid anything that needs to be baked or roasted. There is also no freezer at the hostel (so no ice cream for dessert!).
It's summer, Salads are good.
Tea, Coffee and Cake: Will be provided throughout the weekend.
Other Drinks and snacks: Please bring your own.
Dogs
Sorry, Dogs are not allowed in this hostel.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Images
All photos taken by OutdoorLads Members and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
Please note the photos below were all taken in Winter, we'll be going in Summer so imagine them all in glorious sunshine and the mountain vibrant and green....
What to bring
Walking:
Although it's summer, the weather is Wales can go either way so bring Walking Boots definitely in case the ground is a bit wet and muddy underfoot. You will need walking boots, sunhat (optimistically!), waterproofs, water bottle.
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking, trainers are OK if the ground is dry and there’s little chance of rain
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Food & drink
Friday Evening: We'll have the usual Outdoor lads buffet so please bring something that can be shared between two or three people.
Saturday Day: Breakfast is included in the event cost. I
Saturday Lunch: We'll be pretty isolated with no pub options or places to buy lunch - so please make sure you've got a packed lunch with you.
Saturday Evening: Dinner is included in the event cost.
Sunday: Breakfast is included in the event cost. There will be a walk after this, incorporating a local pub where we can go for lunch, for anyone who is interested.
Tea & coffee: Will be available throughout the weekend
Other drinks: Please bring your own